Backyard Baptism

I'm still writing about my marathon weekend at the beginning of June. After preaching, presiding and baptizing two babies at the 10:30 a.m. service on June 6th. Before my flight to Chicago, that same day, I hopped in my car to travel to a parishioner's house to baptize their baby girl. She had just celebrated her 1st birthday. The first question you may ask is why did they wait so long? The other babies I baptized that morning were from 3-6 months old.

The father grew up in the Lutheran congregation that I serve and his mother, the grandmother of the baby is also a member. The babies mother is Irish Catholic, born in Ireland. I officiated at the wedding of this couple a few years ago. Her parents, flew in from Ireland to attend ; that itself was hard for them. Their Catholic daughter marrying a Protestant, in a Lutheran Church. Old ways, and attitudes die hard. I don't know much about the conflicts in Ireland; I don't know about strict Catholicism, but I do know about stereotypes, prejudices, misunderstanding and being hurt by others.

So the couple was trying to balance a grandmother that thought the baby should be baptized in the Lutheran church right away, and grandparents who just couldn't get their minds around their only grandchild being baptized a protestant. What neither set of parents really understood, what most people don't understand is that when we are baptized we are not baptized into a denomination, we are baptized into Christ Jesus, we join the community of those who believe in Jesus. That would include Lutherans, and Catholics.

It was a weekend of being careful about inclusion, and about helping all parties to feel comfortable. First the wedding on Saturday with Jews and Christians alike and then the baptism with Catholics and Protestants.

The funny thing about all this is that the baby's mother teaches Religion, but isn't terribly religious herself. She knows as much about liturgy, about theology, about church history and Martin Luther as I do--possibly much more. Her comment and commitment to me around the time of the marriage was that she would attend church five times a year--nothing more, nothing less. Despite her sparse church attendance she and I have developed a collegial and friendly relationship. Of course, having an infant has made church attendance even harder; but until the baby she did pretty well.

I'm rambling; but I was talking about inclusion. It was a beautiful sunny day and we all gathered, African American pastor, parents, grandparents, God parents, in the backyard around a small table, bowl and candle. We were all there Irish Catholic, Lutheran and Protestants of varying strips to honor God.  Prayers were said, the creed was recited, and water was poured over the head of this beautiful baby girl. She was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, that trinitarian formula that is used throughout much of Christiandom. Now this beautiful baby girl with Lutheran and Catholic, Irish and German heritage is a member of the body of Christ -- the community of faith. In her very own backyard, she received a warm welcome.

What are your baptism stories?